A Bolingbrook man who two years ago pleaded guilty to a hate crime after spray-painting Mayor Roger Claar’s garage with a swastika pleaded guilty Wednesday to violating the conditions of his probation. Rachel Tuszynski, a transgender man who goes by the name Rae, has been in the Will County Adult...

Will County sheriff's office

Rachel Tuszynski, who two years ago pleaded guilty to a hate crime after spray-painting a swastika on the Bolingbrook mayor's garage, has pleaded guilty to violating the conditions of his probation.

Rachel Tuszynski, who two years ago pleaded guilty to a hate crime after spray-painting a swastika on the Bolingbrook mayor's garage, has pleaded guilty to violating the conditions of his probation. (Will County sheriff's office)

As time wound down in the Class 4A state championship game Saturday night, the chants of “618! 618! 618!” filled Carver Arena. The area-code cheer was a rallying cry from the new boys basketball capital of Illinois. A few hours after East St. Louis rallied past Bogan to win the Class 3A title,...

All season, the hype has been building for Belleville West, the defending Class 4A champion, and Curie, the only team without an in-state loss. But another team is in the state title picture, too, and it’s the one with the most experience. Evanston, with four starters back from last year’s third-place...

The thing you notice about Curie’s players is how they never seem to get rattled. “That’s what these guys are all about,” Condors coach Mike Oliver said. “Every night someone different stepping up and being the hero. They play for each other. They don’t get too down, they don’t get too up.” Curie...

Farragut’s last-minute bid to continue its boys basketball season ended Monday, clearing the way for DePaul Prep to advance to the Class 3A state semifinals. The Illinois High School Association’s board of directors, meeting via conference call, denied Farragut’s appeal of executive director Craig...

Will County crime

A Joliet man Monday pleaded guilty to murdering his mother in 2013 and dumping her body into the Des Plaines River. Shane Smith, 36, entered his guilty plea as jury selection for his trial was scheduled to begin. Smith, of the 1600 block of Black Road, pleaded to first-degree murder. As part of...

When a Bolingbrook man was unable to successfully negotiate a price for a used video game system, he opted for a different tactic and stole the item at gunpoint, DuPage County prosecutors said Thursday. Jason Taylor, 20, was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to armed...

Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle crash near Plainfield late Monday afternoon after a vehicle went into a creek. The vehicle crashed into a guard rail and rolled over on its side into a small creek bed north of the intersection of Budler Road and West Knollwood Drive about 4:30 p.m.,...

Neighbors of the Naperville and Aurora men who died in a shooting at a Bolingbrook industrial park reacted Tuesday with surprise and shock. "He was always super nice," said Jackie Chin, next door neighbor to Degang Zhang, 48, of Aurora, identified by police as the shooter. "I can't believe it."...

A Plainfield man was arrested Friday after officers with a search warrant found over 4 pounds of heroin, more than $100,000 in cash and a hidden room in his home, officials said. Lamond Ballard, 43, of Plainfield, is being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility after officers with the...

From the community

JOLIET - Area job seekers are invited to attend a weekly job fair from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Workforce Center of Will County. Among the positions available are diesel mechanic, general laborer, warehouse associate, wire worker, yard worker, school bus driver, case manager, community...

JOLIET - The Workforce Center of Will County April schedule has been released. Career Cafe will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, April 2 and 16. Career Cafe is a networking event designed to connect people looking for work. In addition to sharing tips with other job seekers and learning job search techniques,...

WILL COUNTY - The April schedule for the Mobile Workforce Center of Will County has been released. The mobile unit travels throughout Will County to help residents with resume development, cover letters and job applications. The workforce center contains 11 computer stations, internet access,...

Plainfield| Lincoln Elementary School students gave teachers an A-plus on their fundraising efforts to support local education and the Lincoln Elementary PTA. Lincoln teachers and PTA members volunteered behind the counter on Monday, March 18th, at the Plainfield McDonald's located at 13546 Route...

On Saturday, March 16th, Chicagoland was treated to the US premiere of the Hindi play, Nirjhari by playwright Sunita Lad Bhamray. This play was produced by the Mandi Theater group as part of the International Women's Day Celebration. Sunita Lad Bhamray was present at the play that was performed...

News near Will County

Southwest Symphony Orchestra’s next concert includes soprano Emily Birsan performing a favorite as well as a piece she has never done before. “Heavenly Spring” on March 31 at Trinity Christian College’s Ozinga Chapel Auditorium in Palos Heights features Birsan on Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4...

The show that started it all for HoperaWorld Entertainment in 2009 in Cleveland and Chicago comes to the Southland for one night. “Hopera: A Fallen Hero,” which blends hip-hop and opera, takes the stage April 6 at Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts in University Park with 12...

For the last five months, Park Forest police have had a four-legged companion to help them with their work. Tucker, the department’s new canine, is helping police track down drugs, offenders and missing people, officials said. On Monday, the dog was introduced to the Village Board. Will County...

Activists plan to demonstrate Thursday outside the Chicago office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle regarding a proposed power plant in Glenwood. Plans for the natural gas-fueled power plant have sparked opposition from many residents who believe the facility will be a major source...

A sailor stationed at the Naval Station Great Lakes has been charged in federal court in Chicago with convincing a 13-year-old girl he met online to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of herself. Ethan Knez, 21, was arrested at the base on Tuesday on a charge of sexual exploitation of...